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September 21, 2009

Taser Death: Richard Battistata (Laredo, TX)

It happened again! The police killed their 36th person this calendar year using a taser gun. This time the taser-related death occurred in Laredo, TX. Richard Battistata, a local truck driver, died after an unnamed officer blasted 50,000 volts of electricity through his body early Monday morning.

The police haven't accused the victim of being a druggie yet. However, they did use their second favorite post-death tactic in these taser cases ... they issued press release talking about the "violent struggle" that led to decision on the part of the police to pull out their taser guns.

Battistata, 44, died after police tried to arrest him on suspicion of breaking into an apartment. The original call was a report of criminal mischief made at 3:50 a.m. Officers said Battistata had broken a window and gained entry into the apartment. When they tried to arrest him, he fought back and the Taser was used, police said.

He lost consciousness and was taken to the Doctors Hospital, where he was declared dead at 4:33 a.m. Monday.

Three Laredo police officers are on administrative duty pending investigation of the death of Mr. Battistata.